The 30-year-old, who will wear the No10 shirt, arrived at the club's training headquarters this morning to put pen to paper.

Harewood, who has scored 104 league goals in 255 starts, suffered a frustrating period at Aston Villa where he became surplus to requirements after his £4m move there from West Ham in 2007.

"We're delighted to get Marlon on board," Chris Hughton, Newcastle's acting manager, said. "I think it will also give the squad a lift to see another new face arrive.

"He's different to what we have got here in terms of attacking options. He's very experienced, he's a big, strong player and, as his record shows, has an eye for goal.

"It's a great challenge for him. He's played for some very good clubs but it hasn't really worked out for him at Aston Villa. But he comes here with a fresh start and I think he'll do very well. It's a chance for him to get a run of games and get back among the goals."

Harewood will go straight into the squad for tomorrow evening's Championship game with Ipswich at Portman Road. "He's fit and ready to be involved straight away," Hughton said.